Pond to Podium is a coordinated initiative designed to renew the nation’s passion for a great Canadian pastime – lacing up a pair of skates and getting on the ice. The focus of this program is to educate and involve Canadians in skating, whether it be through figure skating, hockey, ringette, or speed skating. The more people we can get interested in skating and winter sports, the greater the number of elite athletes Canada is likely to produce and bring onto the world stage. This objective will not realized for years to come, but we are hopeful.

The initiative began with the creation of the trademarked Pond to Podium logo: an ice surface, a stylized skater with arms outstretched in a sign of triumph. The promotional efforts include the production of TV ads airing on CTV (click here to view) and a Public Relations strategy. Together they have started to create an awareness of this potentially significant movement. The backbone of the property is a robust website. Designed to appeal to visitors of all ages, the site is a source of real information about learning to skate in all provincial jurisdictions. There are Flash games for the children, a dynamic calendar of events and general info such as equipment lists and contact information for adults. As there are four skating sports represented, the backend database system was designed to be updatable by the respective clubs, so that information can be kept current and accurate.